NEWS
February 5, 2007
Kuros starts Phase II clinical trial in bone regeneration
 
Kuros reaches key milestone in its collaboration with Baxter

Zurich, Switzerland – Kuros, a biotechnology company that develops novel biologics and biomaterials for localised therapy, announced today that it has started a Phase II clinical trial in Europe involving tibial plateau fractures as part of its collaboration with Baxter in hard and soft tissue repair.

The product to be evaluated in the trial utilises Kuros’ technology for binding proprietary biologics within Baxter’s fibrin-based biomatrix, TISSEEL Fibrin Sealant, to create a bioactive bone graft substitute for in-situ healing of tibial plateau fractures. The product is injected directly at the fracture site, where it forms a fibrin composite that forms to the shape of the fracture. The intention of this programme is to develop a product with the potential to promote bone growth through the release of a modified version of a naturally occurring bone-forming molecule bound to the fibrin matrix.

Kuros entered into a licence and collaboration agreement with Baxter International Inc. subsidiaries in 2005. The collaboration covers the development of a number of biological combination products targeted at certain skin and orthopaedic indications. These products are based on Kuros’ unique technology and expertise in developing biologic containing, in situ forming, matrices for localised tissue repair. Under the terms of the collaboration, Kuros is responsible for clinical development until the completion of the Phase II study, at which point Baxter will assume the subsequent development and commercial activities. Kuros receives upfront, on-going research and milestone payments, as well as royalties on global product sales.

Didier Cowling, CEO of Kuros commented: “Today’s announcement is a very important step for Kuros as it is the first of a number of products that we are developing for bone regeneration to enter a Phase II clinical trial. It provides further validation of our approach in bone repair and together with the support of our partner Baxter, we look forward to developing valuable alternatives to bone grafts in patients.“

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About Kuros
www.kuros.ch

Kuros is a biotechnology company that develops novel biologics and biomaterial combinations for localised therapy.

Kuros products retain biologically active molecules at the site of action by incorporation into injectable matrices. These products combine the ease of injectablity with localised delivery, tunable release profiles and safety. Kuros uses natural (fibrin-based) or synthetic matrices and has a number of methodologies for the retention and release of the biologically active molecules.

Kuros’ most advanced products are in the fields of tissue repair and regeneration. These products are in various stages of clinical development. The products consist of fusion proteins, of naturally occurring bioactive factors, covalently incorporated into fibrin matrices. This approach attempts to mimic the body’s natural healing process.

In addition, Kuros is developing a portfolio of proprietary products which are addressing a number of significant additional therapeutic areas including other trauma, oncology and cardiovascular indications.

Since its creation in 2000, Kuros has raised over $40 million. The company is located in Zurich, Switzerland.

Press Enquiries

Kuros
Didier Cowling +41 (0)44 200 56 10

Citigate Dewe Rogerson
David Dible, Valerie Auffray, Yvonne Alexander +44 (0)207 638 9571

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